A friendly face in Rougemont for more than thirty years, Genevieve Roch has welcomed clients into her hairdressing salon ‘Coiffure Kalypso’ since 1992. GstaadLife spoke with her about how she got started, what keeps her inspired and the realities of running a one-woman business in the Saanenland.

What first got you interested in hairdressing?
The interest was there from a very young age – I used to enjoy brushing my dolls’ hair.

As I got older, I tried other kinds of work, but I kept coming back to hairdressing, so in the end I decided to make it my path. I also chose this profession because I knew I would be able to work for myself. Being independent mattered to me and I wanted to be my own boss.

How did you make that happen?
I completed a four-year apprenticeship, three years for women’s hair and one for men’s. After qualifying I worked in several salons to gain experience. When I heard the Rougemont salon was available I saw it as an opportunity. Even though I was born in Lausanne I’m originally from here. My father is from Rougemont and my mother is from Rossinière. They left because there was no work. I came back because there was work. It felt right.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love seeing a smile on someone's face when we transform a look or simply trim their hair. It is never boring. Working with men and women has a very distinct feel and their needs are always unique. A man might come every couple of months, while women visit frequently and tend to stay longer because their styles are more technical. I enjoy that variety.

And what is the hardest part of running the salon on your own?
You cannot be sick because there is no one else to step in. If I have a headache I still come because I have appointments. People expect to see me, not someone in my place. I want to give them my best and be in a good mood for them, but keeping that energy every day can be the most difficult part.

What happens when someone brings in a photo from a magazine and asks for that style?
I tell my clients that a photo is just a moment in time. The hair is fixed for the camera and doesn’t move, but in real life it will not stay the same. Sometimes people choose a style because they like the person in the picture, but they might not have the hair texture for it. I will say if I can do something close to the photo, but I am honest about what will work. Sometimes I have to say, you won’t look like the model in the photo with this cut. If I know a style will not suit someone I say so and suggest something else. My goal is to make sure people leave with something that fits them.

And when you need a bit of pampering yourself, what do you choose?
I love travelling. It recharges me and gives me boost of new ideas and inspiration. And massage – I love massage. My work involves a lot of touch and I enjoy that part of it, so a massage feels natural to me. It feels connected.

What do you enjoy most in the region?
For me it has to be the Videmanette – the mountain where I love to go skiing. It feels like the best place in the area and I get to see it all day from my salon. How lucky am I!t

ANNA CHARLES